Telemedicine: an alternative during the COVID-19 crisis (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED During times of infectious disease and catastrophes like this COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of the healthcare workers and limiting spread and burden of disease is crucial for the maintenance of a functioning healthcare system. Telemedicine is a remote method of healthcare delivery that has recently been implemented and its use in routine practice is being considered. This virtual platform can allow for forward triage and screening of patients through patient-physician communication via smartphones and other technologies. For its effective implementation, changes in staff training and patient education as well as investment in compatible equipment are needed. Proactive advocacy of telehealth should be done as it can provide far more benefits and aid with the daily and emergency challenges faced by healthcare systems.